Anyone any idea what this is?

[carys220]

There are a few of them growing in a patch in our field. We've fenced the patch off just in case but nobody I've spoken to knows what it is.

Any ideas?

 

[kerilli]

looks like a willow seedling to me, but i could be wrong. if it's really really strong and almost impossible to pull up, that could be what it is. any willow trees nearby?

 

[carys220]

there are lots of different trees on the other side of the wall..I will have a look tomorrow. Is willow poisonous?

 

[zelli]

I havent got a clue, but if it is willow it is a fantastic thing to have in your field as it is a natural source of aspirin (or potentially another pain killer... but one of them im just having a lack of brain moment...) and being a firm believer that horses are self healers, how much better can you get than a natural source like that in the field!

 

[chaffinch]

Probably rose bay willow herb

http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/rbaywherb.htm

 

[happy_talk]

chaffinch i think you're right. I didn;t know what it was called but definitely seen it before. They die off in the winter and leave you with hollow sticks (great for kindling!). no idea if they're poisonous.

 

[wormhugs]

It is not a willow tree seedling (I work with them!). I'd go for rose bay willow herb, which I dont think is toxic.
x

 

[JAS]

Looks like Rose Bay Willow Herb (Flame Weed) - horses love it!

 

[Britestar]

Yup. Willow herb. I have tons of it and the horses just love it!